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You'll find a fascinating mix to trees -- gnarled oaks, towering Douglas firs, bark-shedding madrones -- but the rocks steal the show. Large formations called "tafoni" (which look like the work of honeybees on steroids) formed over eons as weathering processes gradually reshaped the stone.

Castle Rock is the most notable tafoni formation, but there are many more in the park.

This hike starts from the park's main parking lot, heading first to Castle Rock, then picking up Saratoga Gap Trail, stopping at Trail Camp, and returning on the Ridge Trail. It's not a hike for beginners -- the trail is narrow and gnarly in a few places, and the ample ups and downs create a good workout.

Best time to go: Winter, when the crowds thin out (though this hike can be done all year). Note it can be quite cold here in winter -- snow may blanket the park when big minter storms blow through. less «

Tips:
Hiking poles come in handy on this hike.

Trail Camp is popular with local Scout troops, most of whom are returning on Sunday mornings... more ». The kids are generally well-behaved, but they can move in large packs.

A gun club about a mile up the road is most audible on the Ridge Trail -- it's best to hike this section of the trail last, so your hike does not open to the sound of gunfire.

Watch for poison oak on narrow sections of the trail.

What to bring:
Water/Snacks
Clothing in layers
Sunscreen
Camera
Paper map (available in the parking lot kiosk if it's staffed). less «

After .2 of a mile, a large wood deck appears on the left, overlooking Castle Rock Falls.

Most of the year the flow is relatively mild, but if you come in winter after several days of rain might be quite a gusher.

On clear days there's a wonderful view of the Santa Cruz Mountains southwest of the park.

6. Saratoga Gap Trail continues

The trail hugs a steep hillside with fantastic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This two-mile stretch has lots of tricky footing -- watch your step -- but it's also the most engaging section of the hike.

Take your time and enjoy the experience. Wildflowers decorate the hillside in springtime; the blazing sun of summer will make you regret... More forgetting your sunscreen.Less

7. Russell Point

Just before you get here, there's a steel-cable handhold on a narrow sliver of trail above a drop-off on the hillside. Be extra careful here.

Russell Point looks westward toward neighboring Big Basin Redwoods State Park, home of some of the oldest trees in California.

The trail then curves to the right and heads toward the backpackers'... More campground.Less

8. Trail camp

Saratoga Gap Trail passes through Trail Camp, which has a privy and a drinking fountain.

This is a great place to take a break from the rigors of the first half of the hike.

When you're rested, go back the way you came on Saratoga Gap trail till you reach the Ridge Trail junction on your left.

9. Ridge Trail, west end

Turn left on Ridge Trail.

There's quite a bit of climbing along this way. Groves of shiny brown madrone trees arc to and fro across the forest along the first section of this route.

Eventually you'll pass out of the Madrone forest and into a stretch of oak woodland. After about 1.1 miles you'll reach the turn-off to Goat Rock -- a popular... More climbing destination and a great place to take pictures.

Turn right here to head straight to Goat Rock, or continue straight for a short jaunt to the Interpretive Shelter.Less

10. Turn-off to Goat Rock

Turn right here to head directly to Goat Rock.

If you're feeling nimble you can scramble up onto Goat Rock to take in the view. Note it's a slippery return to the trail on your way back.

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